Exodus 25:11 kjv

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

Exodus 25:11 nkjv

And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around.

Exodus 25:11 niv

Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.

Exodus 25:11 esv

You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it.

Exodus 25:11 nlt

Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it.

Exodus 25 verses

Exodus 25 11 Meaning

Exodus 25:11 describes specific instructions for crafting the Ark of the Covenant, stating that it must be completely overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. It also specifies the addition of a gold crown or molding around its top perimeter. This design emphasizes the Ark's supreme holiness, its sacred contents (the testimony of God's law), and the absolute purity and glory of the Divine Presence it represented. The meticulous gold covering signifies the preciousness of God's covenant and His unblemished nature.

Exodus 25 11 Context

Exodus 25 begins a lengthy section detailing God's precise instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This verse is specifically part of the command for building the Ark of the Covenant, which was to be the most sacred furnishing in the Tabernacle, housed within the Most Holy Place. This chapter emphasizes the divine origin of the design, with God providing meticulous blueprints for every aspect of the Ark, the table of showbread, and the lampstand, ensuring they reflected heavenly patterns and symbolized spiritual truths about His nature, presence, and covenant with Israel. The commands for purity and precise craftsmanship highlight the gravity and sanctity of worship and the direct interaction with God's dwelling place.

Exodus 25 11 Word analysis

• And thou shalt overlay it: (וְצִפִּיתָ אֹתוֹ - ve'tsipiyta oto)
  • וְצִפִּיתָ (ve'tsipiyta): From the Hebrew verb צָפָה (tsaphah), meaning "to plate, cover, overlay, deck." It implies a complete and thorough covering, not merely a superficial wash or gilding. This was a substantial plating, ensuring the preciousness of the object was visibly evident and impenetrable.
  • Significance: This command emphasizes a comprehensive covering, suggesting that no part of the Ark's acacia wood core should remain exposed. It points to God's desire for complete sanctity and glory surrounding His presence.
• with pure gold, (זָהָב טָהוֹר - zahav tahor)
  • זָהָב (zahav): Gold. A highly valuable and incorruptible metal, frequently used in the Bible to symbolize divine glory, purity, royalty, and enduring value.
  • טָהוֹר (tahor): Pure, clean, ritually clean. Denotes unmixed, refined, highest quality gold, free from alloys or imperfections.
  • Significance: The use of "pure gold" speaks to God's own perfect and unblemished character. Nothing impure or common could adorn the vessel of His covenant. It implies absolute moral and spiritual purity required in God's presence and for His instruments. It also sets the Ark apart as supremely holy from common objects.
• within and without (מִבַּיִת וּמִחוּץ - mibbayit umichutz)
  • מִבַּיִת (mibbayit): From within, on the inside.
  • וּמִחוּץ (umichutz): And from without, on the outside.
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes absolute thoroughness and complete covering. It means every visible and hidden surface of the Ark's wooden frame was to be gilded. The implication extends beyond the physical; it points to a profound spiritual truth—holiness is not merely outward show but must penetrate to the innermost being. God requires holiness that is total, internal, and external, reflecting His omnipresence and intimate knowledge of all things.
• shalt thou overlay it, (תְּצַפֶּנּוּ - tetsappennu)
  • Repetition of the command to "overlay." This verbal emphasis underscores the importance and certainty of the instruction.
  • Significance: Reinforces the preceding phrase "within and without," driving home the meticulousness required for this sacred task. God's commands are precise and must be followed exactly.
• and shalt make upon it (וְעָשִׂיתָ עָלָיו - ve'asita alav)
  • וְעָשִׂיתָ (ve'asita): And you shall make, you shall do.
  • עָלָיו (alav): Upon it, on top of it.
  • Significance: Indicates a new element to be added specifically on the Ark's upper edge.
• a crown of gold (זֵר זָהָב - zer zahav)
  • זֵר (zer): A rim, border, molding, wreath, or crown. In this context, it refers to a continuous golden molding that ran around the top edge of the Ark. While zer can mean "crown" (as in a king's crown), here it functions as a decorative and potentially functional raised border. It might have served to secure the mercy seat onto the Ark or simply as an ornamental band signifying royalty and honor.
  • זָהָב (zahav): Gold, again signifying purity, value, and divine majesty.
  • Significance: The "crown" highlights the Ark's supreme status among all the Tabernacle furnishings. It symbolizes the kingship and sovereignty of God, whose throne-like presence rested above the Ark. It distinguishes the sacred space of God from common space and emphasizes the Ark's divine authority.
• round about. (סָבִיב - saviv)
  • סָבִיב (saviv): Round about, all around, surrounding.
  • Significance: Clarifies that the zer (crown/molding) was a continuous band encompassing the entire top perimeter of the Ark. This circular completion signifies perfection, unity, and thoroughness in the divine design.

Exodus 25 11 Bonus section

• The meticulous instructions for the Ark, especially the use of pure gold "within and without," contrast sharply with pagan deities often crafted from cheap materials and occasionally plated with precious metals merely for outward show. God's command signifies inherent, all-encompassing purity, not superficial embellishment. The Ark itself contained only the tablets of the Law (and later, Aaron's rod and manna pot), lacking any physical idol, which was a polemic against the idol-worshiping cultures of Egypt and Canaan.
• The Ark's components, particularly the pure gold, resonate with a greater heavenly reality (Heb 8:5). The ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's perfect purity, glory, and wisdom (Col 2:3, 9). He is the true tabernacle, overlaid with the gold of divine nature.
• Scholars note that the "crown" (זר - zer) on the Ark might have been higher on the inner edge than the outer, creating a small "ridge" for the Mercy Seat (Kapporeth) to rest securely, thereby combining aesthetic design with practical functionality. This subtle detail speaks to God's thoughtful and perfect design.

Exodus 25 11 Commentary

Exodus 25:11 reveals God's meticulous instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, underscoring its profound holiness. The command to overlay the Ark with "pure gold, within and without," is highly symbolic. The use of gold, an incorruptible and precious metal, represents divine glory, purity, and enduring value. Its application to both internal and external surfaces signifies that God's holiness is absolute—not merely a facade, but integral to His being and to all that represents Him. This truth applies to believers too: God desires an inner holiness that matches the outward walk (1 Thes 5:23). The "crown of gold" circling the Ark not only served as a decorative molding but also underscored God's kingship and authority. This entire design reflects the weighty presence of the Sovereign Lord who is utterly pure, righteous, and whose dwelling place must perfectly mirror His glorious character. This sets a precedent for how we approach God and sacred things: with utmost reverence, purity, and honor, understanding that His glory encompasses all things, both seen and unseen.